Health officials have released a public health alert warning residents of the potential for measles exposure from the January long weekend

Health officials have released a public health alert warning residents of a case of the measles in Cairns. Find out more here in this free-to-read article

Public health alert: Potential measles exposure in Cairns. Picture: iStock.

Cairns residents are being urged to stay alert after a case of a highly contagious disease was reported from the January long weekend.

Tropical Public Health Cairns said anyone who visited a number of locations during the long weekend between January 24 to January 27 should be aware of potential measles exposure.

The warning, released on Sunday, February 2 begins with the Air North Flight, TL160 from Darwin to Cairns, between 7.30am and 11.30am, followed by arrivals at Cairns Domestic Airport from 11.30am to 12pm.

It also mentions several venues, including The Woolshed Cairns, Dirty Laundry, and Gilligan’s, on Friday, January 24, from 7.30pm to 2am.

On Sunday, January 26, affected locations include Cairns Kart Hire in Smithfield, Salt House, and Pier Bar in Cairns.

Tropical Public Health medical officer Dr Annie Preston-Thomas, said if you were at the listed areas at the specified times, please keep an eye out for symptoms and seek medical advice where needed.

“Symptoms usually start around 10 days after exposure to measles but can occur between 7 and 18 days after contact,” she said.

Measles is a highly contagious and serious viral infection that can spread rapidly.

Tropical Public Health Cairns, Dr Annie Preston-Thomas, urged people to get vaccinated against measles. Picture: Alison Paterson

Tropical Public Health Cairns said residents should be alert for symptoms until February 14.

The most common symptoms to watch out for are a fever, tiredness, blotchy rash which spreads from head and face to the rest of the body.

A severe cough and red, sore eyes, runny nose and white spots in the mouth.

Health officials said although the red rash is the most recognised symptom of measles, it typically develops after having flu-like symptoms.

Dr Preston-Thomas said anyone suspecting they have measles to not spend time in hospital or doctor's waiting rooms with other patients, but to call ahead first.

“If people develop symptoms, they should call ahead to your GP or emergency department,” she said.

Health officials said although the red rash is the most recognised symptom of measles, it typically develops after having flu-like symptoms. Picture: iStock.

Dr Preston-Thomas also said this should be a reminder for everyone to check they are protected against measles.

“Please consider seeing a GP to be immunised for measles, if you are not already immune to measles. The vaccine is free for Australian residents,” she said.

“The measles vaccine can prevent illness even after exposure to the disease, if given early enough.”

Anyone born after 1965 should have had two doses of the vaccine.

“This is especially important before overseas travel, as there are measles outbreaks in several regions of the world and there have recently been several travel-related measles cases in Australia.”

For more information about measles and what to look out for visit Queensland Government viral infections page here. 

Originally published as Health officials have released a public health alert warning residents of the potential for measles exposure from the January long weekend